The York-JEOL Centre represents a major long term collaboration between the University of York, Yorkshire Forward and JEOL UK Ltd who are world leaders in electron optics. The intention is to create a world-class research facility with a critical mass of workers at the University, specialising in electron microscopy AND nanolithography. These will be coupled to the existing activities in surface analysis and magnetic materials. Additionally the Centre will be an open access, industry facing and "industry first" facility with published terms and conditions operating with ISO 9002 accreditation.